Two Showcase Digital Theaters Planned for Westfield and Cranford, N.J.

WESTFIELD, N.J. (Oct. 6, 2010) – For most neighborhood movie theaters, the latest Hollywood blockbuster arrives in 70 pound cans shipped by air, truck and courier, consuming fuel and up to $1 million per film in distribution costs. But if New Jersey movie theater entrepreneur A. Dale “Bud” Mayo has his way, theaters will soon all receive films digitally by satellite. This so-called digital conversion will “eventize” theaters, allowing them to become true interactive entertainment centers offering live sports events, conferences, concerts, operas, videogaming, live auctions, fashion shows, and the latest 3D blockbuster.

In October, Mayo’s Digital Cinema Destinations Corp. purchased one in-town theater in Westfield, N.J., which will serve as company headquarters, and another in nearby Cranford. Both will serve as the incubator for this new concept in out-of-home entertainment. Once converted to digital projection early next year, the two theaters will offer a range of content and serve as a template for the all-digital theater circuit that Mayo’s team has already begun to assemble in the Northeast.

Mayo, a veteran of the film exhibition industry as founder and CEO of Clearview Cinemas in metropolitan New York, is the newest member of the ShowEast Hall of Fame. In April 2000, after selling Clearview, he founded digital cinema leader Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. and served as chairman, president and CEO from its inception to his retirement in June 2010. Under Mayo’s leadership, Cinedigm began the transformation of movie theaters into digital and networked entertainment centers. Digital Destinations represents the next step in realizing Mayo’s vision and, in fact, will rely heavily on Cinedigm’s proprietary technology and software.

“In addition to movies, a full range of alternative programming such as pop concerts, live sports events, motivational talks, religious ceremonies, and children’s series will allow theaters to fill more seats during off-peak periods, especially midweek,” said Mayo.

“The possibilities are endless: The Nutcracker from Lincoln Center, opera from La Scala or the Met, pop concerts (Dave Matthews, Phish) from Radio City, the Super Bowl, or the FIFA World Cup in live 3D.”

Mayo continues, “The audience will be totally immersed in the experience. They can text back questions and comments, sing along, host tailgate parties outside, even perform skits to accompany the program.

“Corporate and professional groups will save time, and consume less energy and money using Digiplex Destination theaters as a meeting place.

“Digital technology allows us to redefine what it means to go to a movie theater,” Mayo said.